Video: Leeds lad Milner joins Liverpool

Personal terms have been negotiated and the 29-year-old who was born in Leeds and played for his hometown club as a teenager, will join on a free transfer on July 1 after his contract expires at the Etihad Stadium.

The England international, who has won 53 caps, will add some much-needed experience to a midfield which, for the first time in 17 years will be without captain Steven Gerrard as he begins a new career in Major League Soccer with Los Angeles Galaxy.

“Liverpool Football Club are delighted to announce they have agreed a deal to sign Manchester City’s James Milner, subject to a medical,” the club said a statement.

“The Reds have agreed personal terms with the England international, who will join the club on a free transfer on July 1 after his contract at the Etihad Stadium has expired.”

Milner is reported to have turned down better terms offered by City in order to move to Anfield, where he believes he can play more regularly after making just 18 league starts last season.

The former Aston Villa and Newcastle midfielder is understood to want more opportunities in his favoured central position, rather than being utilised out wide or even, on the rare occasion, up front by Manuel Pellegrini.

Milner debuted for boyhood idols Leeds United on 10 November 2002 against West Ham United. The substitute appearance made him the second youngest player to play in the Premier League at 16 years and 309 days.

On December 26, 2002, aged 16 years and 356 days, he became the youngest player to score in the Premier Leaguewhen he netted in a 2–1 win against Sunderland.

Milner has since won 53 caps for England.